Inside Job: An Undercover Billionaire Romance Page 6

  Chapter 11

  Katy

  I wake up while it’s still dark outside.

  There’s a soreness between my legs that defies anything I’ve ever known. It’s a soreness that can only come from being fucked really well.

  Marcus is everything I could want and more. I know it’s dangerous ground to feel this way because it makes me vulnerable to him―but suddenly I’m okay with that.

  It’s not typically how I work. I need to have power and autonomy over my life no matter what, but for the moment, I’m glad that I let Marcus into my life. Just a little.

  I look over at his sleeping face and body in the darkness of night, and I can’t deny that he’s handsome even now, shrouded in shadow. He’s thoroughly fucked me and made me submit. I’m trying not to let my feelings get involved, but it’s hard not to with him.

  That’s why I have to make yet another escape. I can’t let myself fall down the rabbit hole of love and lust for someone I just met.

  I have to get out of here before he realizes that I’m awake. Marcus has this charming way of wanting me to stick around. He’ll probably offer me breakfast or coffee or something, and I won’t be able to deny him because he’s startlingly good at having me wrapped around his finger.

  That’s not good news for me.

  I slide out of bed and gently tiptoe to the bathroom where I can find my clothes and sneak out of here. I splash some cool water on my face, and images of last night keep flashing across my brain.

  It was the best sex I’ve ever had. I can definitely see myself becoming addicted to him, and for a moment, I become jealous of all the women he will have in the future that are not me.

  This is my final goodbye to him.

  I put on my clothes haphazardly and leave his place.

  It’ll be good for him to see that I disappeared before he awoke. I can’t have him thinking this will develop into something further. And now, he won’t be able to find me ever again.

  It’s so early in the morning that the sun hasn’t even risen. I grab a taxi and make my way downtown to my own little place.

  It could have been a walk of shame, but I feel no shame about it. I feel nothing but excitement and happiness about what Marcus and I did last night. Rarely has a guy rocked my world like that.

  All I have left are memories of it, and that will have to suffice. I never sleep with a man more than once, lest he finds out my identity.

  As soon as I get home, I begin my research.

  I make a pot of coffee and then delve into the world of Marcus Layman.

  That’s the name he gave me but I can’t be sure if it’s real or fake. Like I said, I never trust anybody, not fully.

  It’s an occupational hazard. I’m sure I’m the target of many investigations because of how much money I’ve stolen from the rich.

  I look up his organization, and everything looks legit as per the website. There doesn’t seem to be anything fishy or crazy about Marcus. I can’t be sure, but he seems to be fairly clean cut and on the straight.

  Maybe Marcus really does want me to work with his organization. Maybe I’m judging him too harshly. But the thing is, activism is not my real work.

  I work alone. I like my inner circle that involves other hackers that I only meet online. They have the same beliefs as I do, and they’re also running from the law. So far that’s the only kind of relationship I want in my life.

  I sip my coffee and take a break to change my clothes.

  I get into my little shower and let the hot water flow over me. As I do so, I realize I’m washing off Marcus...his touch, his kisses, his hands, his essence.

  A part of me wishes I never had to shower again. A part of me wishes I could be closer to him, if only for the sex.

  I shampoo my short, pixie cut hair and then douse myself with a couple essential oils.

  I pull on my satin robe and go back to the task at hand, researching Marcus.

  Being at home in front of my computer is where I feel most comfortable. It may not be ideal but this is my lifestyle.

  I’m somehow destined to do this work. My brain just thinks in terms of numbers and software and engineering. I’m very good at what I do, and while it may not be legit work, I know I’m bringing at least some good to the world through my efforts.

  By stealing money from businesses that I know are corrupt, I have the power to help people that really need it. I’ve sent so much money to different orphanages that really needed it that I know I’ve affected at least some lives in a positive way. Of course, I always make sure my actions are untraceable. And I only keep a little bit of the money for myself, just enough to live on.

  If I were as corrupt as some of these banks and stole the money for my personal use, then I’d be a billionaire by now. As it is, I live in a simple apartment, with my only fancy piece of equipment being my computer.

  This is why I have to keep people out of my life. I’m an orphan, after all. I have no family to speak of. And in terms of friends or boyfriends, well, if they knew about my lifestyle, they wouldn’t understand it. So it’s better for me to be alone. At least that’s what I tell myself on a daily basis.

  I log into the chat room I have with the other hackers. It’s my home away from home.

  It’s the only place where I can be honest and open and talk candidly with people about what we do. We’re all in it together. It’s kind of like a pseudo-family.

  At least, it’s the closest thing to a family that I’ve ever known.

  I lean back in my chair and sip the black coffee, which slowly wakes me up. The sun is inching over the horizon, and I know that soon, people will be awake in the city.

  In the chat room, we start to discuss what business we should target next.

  Hey, guys, I type. What’s our next target gonna be?

  A fellow hacker that goes by the name Dragon168 writes, The heat is still on from the last target. The last bank and the other big companies we shattered are still on guard. I think we need to go for something smaller.

  I agree. We don’t want to be too conspicuous. We have to keep this thing tight, I write.

  Another hacker named Mia_intrigue types, We have to really plan this out, you guys. The attack should be synchronized. Nothing can go wrong this time. We have the cops looking everywhere for us. In fact, I’m not even sure this is the right time to do another job. What do you think?

  It’s the right time, Dragon168 writes. It’s always the right time. We have so many organizations to take down that we can’t afford to wait. No one will catch us. We’ve got Spider5d3r tracking the cops and their every move. We’ll be way ahead of them if they ever even have a clue as to who we are.

  I write, I think Dragon is right. We can’t afford to miss this opportunity. I know of an orphanage that’s in dire need of some money. Let’s do it for them. But only if we’re all in it together. Are we?

  Enigma16n4 writes, I’m in! I’ll start researching the logistics of how we can take a smaller fish down.

  Everyone agrees, and I guess it’s onto our next mission. We always have to wonder about escaping the heat, but it’s usually not a problem. I can escape from jail, after all.

  I know my other hacker friends are equally talented. We have nothing to fear.

  I log off and, my thoughts naturally go back to Marcus. If only he knew what I really did, I doubt he’d be so interested. He seems like a player, anyway.

  I don’t regret sleeping with him, but I do hate the fact that I might be starting to form an attachment to him. This is something I avoid at all costs.

  No matter how bad it hurts me, I’m gonna have to keep Marcus at a safe distance by not seeing him. I can’t have him in my life no matter what my emotions are telling me.

  There’s no other course of action to take.

  Chapter 12

  Marcus

  I stretch, wake up, and fling my arm over Katy.

  It falls to empty sheets, and I realize she’s gone.

  I should’
ve expected it, though I’m surprised she left after such an incredible night.

  I made her come so hard. I thought she’d be right here next to me still, craving more.

  She’s truly an independent person, but I gather that you have to be to pull off heists such as she has.

  She’s escaped me once again. I look at the clock and realize it’s still so early. She must’ve left before dawn.

  Katy’s never given me her contact info or anything. So the only way I have to find her is through my investigators.

  The fact that this girl keeps avoiding me and keeps leaving is starting to make me become possessive. Every time she says goodbye, it could be the last time we see each other, and that doesn’t seem to faze her. I want her to not be able to leave my side so easily.

  The thought suddenly dawns on me that she might’ve stolen something. After taking my wallet in jail, I know this person is capable of anything. I get up and search the apartment for anything that might be missing.

  My wallet and watch are on the bedside table where I left them. I’m surprised, considering this could’ve been the last time we see each other. I would’ve expected her to rob me blind.

  The fact that she didn’t…it makes me think that perhaps she’s starting to care about me even a little bit, even if she thinks we’ll never see each other again.

  It’s good news, considering my reasons for wanting her are twofold: I want her body, mind, and soul to be mine and mine alone―at least for the time being. And I want to trace her steps so that I can see how she’s planning to attack my company again.

  Once again, business and pleasure collide. There’s no way around it.

  Last night was incredible. Katy is fucking talented. She surprises me in so many ways―and yet I know I was able to dominate her once, and that makes my cock harden again.

  To take down someone so powerful feels good. She’s a challenge to me and she keeps escaping me, and that makes me want her even more.

  Katy is an enigma who I fully intend on figuring out. By the time I’m done with her, I’ll have her completely exposed.

  I shower and dress in one of the suits I keep hanging in my fake apartment. This place is not the penthouse, but it’s fine. It has all the luxuries I need for the moment.

  I make a couple calls to the investigative team. I tell them I want them to watch Katy from afar. I want to know where she is at all times.

  I make some coffee and wait for them to track her down.

  Eventually, the investigator named Mark calls me. “We have a location on a convenience store she frequents. If you go there now, I think you could see her. It must be close to where she lives.”

  “What’s the address?” I ask, scribbling it down.

  I go downstairs and hop in my car and go to the assigned location. A part of me loves the fact that I can watch Katy from a distance, and a part of me feels like I’m stalking her.

  But whatever. She’s targeting my business and so I have to pull out all the stops. Watching her is no dirtier a deed then stealing from my company, which is what she plans on doing.

  I parked at a far distance from the convenience store. My investigators did a good job, because I soon see her emerge from the store wearing earphones and holding a few things that she bought.

  She looks so gorgeous this morning.

  I wonder if she’s sore and if she’s still reeling from being freshly fucked by me.

  Last night was so good. Katy is someone I need to have in my bed again. Of that I’m sure.

  This morning, she’s wearing tight ripped-up jeans and a black T-shirt. And she’s wearing black Doc Martens and sunglasses.

  She’s my dark princess, always covered head to toe in mystery and intrigue. It reflects her hacker life and solitude.

  Mark was right, because I follow her slowly in my car as she makes her way to an old apartment building. This must be where she lives. I’m glad I have at least that locked down.

  I’m sick of chasing her around the city. I’m glad to know her she resides, finally.

  Her place is probably as I thought it was, akin to the hacker lifestyle. I don’t mind that about Katy. If she truly is the sort of criminal who steals from these large organizations, one thing’s for sure: she doesn’t keep the money for herself.

  It goes somewhere else, and the fact that it’s not in her pocket makes me believe that she’s not purely about money.

  Women like me because they know I’m a billionaire. Katy doesn’t know that about me. And if she did, I doubt she would care. I find that highly amusing and―a huge turn-on.

  I watch her go into her building, and it makes me feel powerful that I finally know where she lives. I plan on sending her a special little gift this afternoon.

  I drive away and speed through the city to my own Manhattan penthouse. From there, I have my assistants wrap up a painting from the dummy apartment that Katy commented on. It’s the one that she liked and was asking about last night.

  I tell them to deliver it to her building. I personally fill out a card that goes with the painting telling Katy to call me.

  Of course, the real surprise for her is that I know where she lives.

  I then pace around my office, waiting for her to call.

  This girl has me on edge, and she has me in a delightful game of cat and mouse that I find intoxicating. Never did I imagine wanting to bed the hacker who’s out to destroy my life.

  What she doesn’t know yet is that I’m always one step ahead of everybody, no matter who they may be. It’s part of what’s made me successful. Call it intuition or what you will, but it gives me the advantage.

  And my success with Katy will depend on this adept ability to be ahead of her in every way.

  It doesn’t take long for her to call me after receiving the painting.

  “Hi, Katy, how are you doing?” I ask.

  “Never mind that. How do you know where I live, Marcus?” she says.

  “I asked around.”

  “No, you didn’t.”

  “Does it matter? I just wanted to send you the painting.”

  “Yes, it matters. How did you f―”

  “Listen. I’m sorry if that’s not something you wanted. How about we talk? In person?”

  She takes a minute to consider before saying, “Fine.”

  With that, she slams down the phone, and I text her the address where I want to take her.

  Katy is such a firecracker, and I love that about her. But she’s probably also feeling a little bit uncomfortable that I’m closing in on her life. How many other men can say they found out where she lives?

  I’ve done the impossible, and it feels pretty good.

  Chapter 13

  Katy

  Receiving this painting from Marcus is a big deal. That means he knows where I live―and I don’t like it at all.

  He’s obviously got spies, or he’s been following me himself. I wonder what his real motivation is. Is it that he just wants to sleep with me again?

  I’ve never given him my full name. There’s no other way for him to find me unless he’s taken a personal interest in knowing where I am.

  And yet…is it wrong to say that it turns me on a little bit, to know that Marcus has been watching me?

  I think about where I’ve been today, and the only place that comes to mind is the convenience store. That must’ve been where he caught me.

  Besides going there, I’ve been contained in my apartment, hacking away on the latest project.

  Marcus knows I live in this old building, so he must know now that I don’t have a lot of money.

  That he doesn’t know is that I could be rich if I wanted to. He thinks I’m this little activist who works hard on the straight and narrow to help poor people. What he doesn’t know is that I’m a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.

  At least that part of my life is still hidden from him. I can’t have him knowing much more about me or it’s gonna get tricky.
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br />   The painting he gives me is really beautiful. It’s a piece of abstract art that I was admiring in his apartment. Now that he’s sent it to me, it’s the only piece of art I have. I find an old nail on the wall and hang it there.

  I have to say it brightens my place up a little bit. I’ve never been one for decor but the fact that Marcus did this for me is nice. I’ll always think of him and of that one magical night when I look at it.

  So far, I don’t see Marcus as a threat. That’s why I’m not too concerned that he knows where I live. He’s recruiting me to be a part of an organization that is essentially in line with my beliefs.

  But I do need to be firm with him and the fact that I work alone and that I’m only comfortable with that. I will never join his organization.

  After calling him and agreeing to meet with him, I realize that we’re going on a date. That thought gives me a sense of jittery anxiety.

  Every time I see him, I get so hot and turned on. I’m sure tonight will be no different.

  The thing that will be different about tonight, though, is that I will have to really tell him that I don’t want to join him. I’m gonna have to lay it out on the line. And after that, he might be done with me.

  He needs to know that I don’t need his organization’s help because I’m doing fine on my own. I have to cut the cords between us as soon as possible. He’s getting a little too close.

  I spend the day on my computer hacking. I do this every day, and it feels so good. It’s my passion.

  Hours pass, and I don’t even know it because I’m so into my work. I love what I do, and I plan on doing it forever.

  I look at the clock and realize it’s almost time to meet Marcus.

  Dusk has fallen, and the day is already turning to night.

  I skim through my closet and try to find something...sexy. I can’t believe I’m doing this but for him, I want to look good.

  I pull out a little black dress that fits me like a glove, but I fully plan on pairing it with my black military boots. I can’t get too dressed up.

  I swipe on some mascara, which is it in terms of makeup. Then I go downstairs and call a cab to meet him at the address he gave me.